Rural ISSC communique: March 2025
The Rural Industry Standing Committee (the Committee) met on Wednesday, 19 March 2025.
The key focus of the meeting was a presentation from representatives of the federal Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) on the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Queensland is one of the largest employers of PALM workers in Australia, alongside NSW.
The majority of PALM workers work in the agriculture and meat processing industries, with growth in hospitality, tourism, and aged care sectors.
Members discussed workplace health and safety aspects of the PALM scheme including possible solutions to the challenges faced by workers including language barriers, visa security and workplace rights.
There was interest from members in better understanding the pre-departure information and induction provided to PALM workers in terms of health and safety requirements in the workplace in Australia.
Members discussed with DEWR representatives DEWR’s regulatory role and interaction with other regulators as well as WHS challenges faced by PALM scheme workers.
Members discussed quad bike and side-by-side vehicle safety to help inform expert member Dr Franklin’s presentation on the topic at the May WHS Board meeting.
Members confirmed their support for sharing OIR campaigns to support an increased reach of safety messaging.
Members discussed Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) in the rural sector and their training.
Members considered reports by OIR including:
- Policy and legislative updates
- Heat stress initiatives update
- Strategic Communications update
- WHSQ Agriculture Unit staffing update.
The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.
ISSC secretariat | Email: oirboardsandcommittees@oir.qld.gov.au